Sri Lanka announce 16-member squad for India Test, Kusal Mendis ruled out

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test of their two-match series against India, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella making his return to the Test side.Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. Dickwella has been included as the wicketkeeper after Kusal Mendis was ruled out of the first Test with an injury.Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the squad for the opening match.Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha make up the rest of Sri Lanka's batting options.The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.Sri Lanka are sixth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw and two defeats.With home conditions expected to play a role in the series, Sri Lanka will look to their experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning Dickwella, as they prepare to take on India's Test side.Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.